W. African Port Offers Anchorage Piracy Protection

MarineLink.com/GAC

Sunday, July 28, 2013

The head of Benin army and navy has issued an official note to express the commitment of Benin Government to secure Benin Waters against sea crime.

The protection, security and safety of Benin maritime space is a national priority for the government as it is considered vital in the economic and social development of the country. Apart from some important diplomatic commitments engaged in the sub-region and the writing of a national strategy of maritime protection and safety, the Benin government has adopted concrete and operational measures to maintain his maritime level at its best level.

In the harbour of Cotonou port, Benin Government has created some security zones for vessels to anchor. Benin government is committed to safeguard the safety and the security of the anchoring ships in the zones.

In addition, Benin Naval Forces have currently six state of the art patrol boats with which they patrol night and day, particularly in the secured anchoring zones.

Consequently, owners and charterers are invited by the Benin authorities to use these zones rather than distant and solitary anchoring, rendering more uncertain the state's means of interventions.